A sneak peek into Odisha’s rich heritage

For a culture fanatic who is dying to explore hidden secrets of different states, there are a variety of things to do in Odisha. A land of varied traditions and culture, Odisha is home to many colourful fairs and festivals. In fact, there are 13 festivals celebrated in 12 months of a year. During every season, the state hosts several religious and cultural festivals that portray its rich heritage. Being an amalgamation of various religions and sects, Odisha is a storehouse of folklores and traditions that a find place in its festivals. While during summer and spring, religious festivals are celebrated with great fanfare, it is during the winter months that the state hosts many cultural festivals. Listed below are some of the famous festivals that add colour to Odisha’s cultural heritage.

The Rath Yatra or Car Festival of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra (Holy Trinity) is undoubtedly the biggest and the most popular festivals of Odisha. Held in the month of June, this is when the Holy Tri...more

Every year on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, thousands of pilgrims flock the pilgrim city of Puri to witness the beginning of the 21-day water sports festival―Chandan Yatra―of Lord Jagannath. The Yatra takes place at t...more

​Experience the beauty of classical dance forms of India at the Konark Festival of Classical Dances held in Konark. With the world famous Sun temple of Konark serving as the perfect backdrop, the annual Konark fest is he...more

​One of the most colourful handicrafts in Odisha is the appliqué work in Pipli Crafts Village, located 40 km away from Bhubaneswar. The craft, locally called Chandua, is related to the rituals and traditions of Lord Jaga...more

The Bell Metal or Dokra art of Sadeibareni village has put Dhenkanal district in Odisha in the world map. Sadeiberini Village, 5 km from Saptasajya in Dhenkanal, is home to 45 families with 130-odd artisans, all belongin...more

Every year during February, the stage is set for the Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav, a national festival of performing arts, at the foothills of Dhauli. The event is being hosted collectively by Bhubaneswar-based two prominent ...more

Celebrate the richness of Indian classical music at the two-day Rajarani National Music Festival held in the month of January. Showcasing the three distinct classical music traditions of India―Hindustani, Carnatic and Od...more

In India, Kolkata holds the reputation of hosting lavish Durga Puja pandals, but Cuttack’s Dussehra is known for its extravagance that reflects in gold and silver and brotherhood during the festivity. In Cuttack, also kn...more

In the month of January, thousands of people and ascetics arrive at the international headquarters of Mahima Dharma at Joranda in Dhenkanal district of Odisha to participate in Magha Mela, also called Joranda Mela. Magha...more

italsasthi is an important event in the cultural calendar of western Odisha. In the month of May, Sambalpur town hosts the week-long Sitalsasthi festival, which marks celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and his consort Parva...more

Commemorative of the ancient maritime glory of Odisha, when merchants from the State set sail to the far-eastern countries for trade and commerce, and marking the culmination of the holy Kartik month, the historic Bali J...more

The sleepy town of Bargarh in western Odisha comes alive the Dhanu Yatra, considered the biggest open air theatre in Asia. Held either in the month of December or January, the festival is organised to celebrate the Indep...more

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A sneak peek into Odisha’s rich heritage

For a culture fanatic who is dying to explore hidden secrets of different states, there are a variety of things to do in Odisha. A land of varied traditions and culture, Odisha is home to many colourf...